Draft Defamation Bill
The UK's Ministry of Justice published a consultation about the draft Defamation Bill in March 2011.
The law must encourage attempts by publishers to correct false information in support of responsible free speech and the protection of reputation; this should include recognising that prompt action can undo the risk of harm.
The Joint Committee on the Draft Defamation Bill was appointed by the House of Commons and the House of Lords in March to examine the Draft Defamation Bill and report to both Houses by 31 October 2011. The report is now available.
Web publishers may want to take note of the suggestions in paragraphs 26 to 30 concerning the protection of freedom of speech. In particular, paragraph 30 notes the need to be able to allow for rapid corrections and apologies, and the potential requirement to be able to attach a notice to the material indicating it has been challenged as libellous.
Also worthy of note may be the recommendations on the single publication rule in paragraphs 58 and 59.
Posted on: 21 October 2011 at 18:21 hrs
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